Related Articles

Team News Czech Republic striker Libor Kozak could make his Aston Villa debut in Saturday's home clash with Newcastle.

The forward joined Villa just before the recent transfer deadline to give manager Paul Lambert more options alongside Christian Benteke up front.

Defenders Nathan Baker and Antonio Luna could feature after recent knocks but Charles N'Zogbia remains a long-term absentee with an Achilles injury.

Meanwhile, Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has been handed a major boost ahead of the game.

Yohan Cabaye could return to the starting line-up after his proposed transfer window move to Arsenal failed to materialise, while loan signing Löic Rémy, who made his debut as a substitute in the 1-0 victory over Fulham, could get the nod.

Central defender Steven Taylor is available after completing his three-match ban, while Cheick Tiote has recovered from a groin injury, but Jonas Gutierrez and Gabriel Obertan are likely to miss out despite returning to training.

Match Notes Mutiny lingers in the Newcastle air after a bungled transfer window masterminded by director of football Joe Kinnear, who must still be trying to retrieve his contacts book.

Their failure to make any recruitments bar Löic Rémy has placed manager Alan Pardew in a highly pressurised position and, after a stumbling start, he sorely needs some wins to ease the tension.

Villa have been kicking their heels for almost three weeks without a game and have a score to settle after suffering a 2-1 home defeat last season.

Betting: Home 5-4, Away 11-5, Draw 23-10.

Stat of the game: Aston Villa are four goals short of conceding 1,000 in the Premier League.